Purpose

At Etruscan Primary School, we strive to create an Art curriculum that engages and inspires children to learn new skills, express their individual creativity and to produce their own works of art. Our Art curriculum aims to equip children with the knowledge and skills to make informed choices, think and speak critically about their own artwork and that of others, to develop and express their ideas and creativity, to work with increased independence and to learn about the work of artists from different times and cultures.  Creativity is encouraged from the very beginning of our children’s school experience.

Rationale

We give all pupils the opportunities to be imaginative, explore different materials and develop their ideas. In EYFS, children are immersed in art, learning different techniques and skills through our Expressive Art and Design curriculum. All pupils are encouraged to practise their handling, moving and control skills for example, by painting or using clay. Materials are freely accessible for children to develop and explore their ideas and to be imaginative. These skills are built on from Year 1 to 6, where children are provided with opportunities to learn about, experience and experiment with a variety of media and techniques and learn about influential artists and craft makers from around the world, both past and present.

Characteristics of an artist

• The ability to use the correct language, for example, line, shape, pattern, colour, texture, form to talk about their own art and the art of others
• The ability to express their thoughts and ideas through art and design
• To produce art from observation, memory and imagination.
• To know about other artists and designers.
• The ability to select and use materials, processes and techniques skilfully and creatively to produce their work
• To be able to reflect on, analyse and critically evaluate their own work and that of others.

Applying Art within other subjects

• Art and design contributes to the teaching of English in our school by encouraging children to ask questions about the starting points for their work. Children have the opportunity to compare ideas, methods and approaches in their own work and that of other children and say what they think and feel about them.
• Art and design contributes to children’s mathematical understanding by giving opportunities to develop the children’s understanding of shape and space through work in two and three dimensions.  
• Art and design contributes to the teaching of some elements of Personal, Social and Health education and Citizenship. The children discuss how they feel about their own work, and the methods and approaches used by others. They have the opportunity to meet and talk with artists and other talented adults during their work.
• ICT enhances our teaching of art and design. Children use software to explore shape, colour and pattern in their work. Children have the opportunity to collect visual information to help them develop their ideas by using digital cameras, scanners and iPads. Children can record their observations and manipulate them through photo editing and painting software. Children are able to use the internet to find out more about the lives and works of famous artist and designers.
• Children learn about art from different times, countries and cultures, thus enhancing their understanding of periods in history and of different places and cultures in geography.

Spiritual, Moral, Social and Cultural development

The teaching of Art and design offers opportunities to support the social development of our children through the way we expect them to work with each other in lessons. Their work helps children to develop a respect for the abilities of other children and encourages children to collaborate and cooperate across a range of activities and experiences. The children learn to respect and work with each other and with adults, developing a better understanding of themselves. Children can develop an understanding of different times and cultures, through their work on famous artists and designers.

Inclusion

Teachers set high expectations for every pupil. They plan challenging work to enable all pupils to make good progress regardless of their academic ability or background. We expect all children to make good progress albeit from different starting points.